AUSTRALIA'S exclusive suburbs may provide the biggest donations to charities, but regional towns are home to our charitable spirit.

According to the Australian Tax Office, the exclusive Sydney suburb Darling Point led the nation for the most amount donated to charity in 2010-11 - $34.5 million in total.

Here, average salaries are $221,000 and the median value of properties is $5.5 million.

Mount Macedon in Victoria had the highest national donor average, with 380 out of 645 taxable locals contributing an average of $38,537 to charitable causes.

But neither suburb is a match for some of our smallest and most remote towns where as many as 8 out 10 taxpaying locals give to charity annually, despite average incomes in some areas less than $50,000.

NSW

Greta, west of Newcastle, is the most charitable town in NSW with 7.5 out of every 10 taxpayers donating an average of $176.70.

In the small town of Tingha in the west of the state, the average income is less than $42,000 but locals still put their hand in their pocket to donate $144.15 each.

Beecroft and Cheltenham lead the charge - 6.2 out of every 10 giving an average of $1,231.80 to their most deserving charities. In Milperra, 6 out of every 10 taxpayer donated an average of $295.

Castlemaine in central Victoria is the state and nation's most charitable town with 7.8 out of every 10 taxpayers donating an average of $269.41 to charity.

The average income is less than $55,000.

Gladstone Park and Tullamarine lead the inner city charge for most charitable residents - 6.4 out of every 10 giving an average of $196.53 to their most deserving charities.

Airport West and Keilor Park followed.

Leading the charge ... the residents of Nanango, Queensland's most charitable town, donate an average of $153.42 to charities. Picture: Annette Dew

Nanango is Queensland's most charitable town with 6.7 out of every 10 taxpayers donating an average of $153.42.

The average income is $51,000.

The Gap leads the inner city charge for most charitable residents - 6.1 out of every 10 giving a very generous average of $573.66 to their most deserving charities.

Ferny Hills, Arana and Keperra followed.

Less than 4 out of every 10 taxpayers in Surfers Paradise donated to charity, but for those who did they managed donations in excess of $9 million.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Balaklava is the state's most charitable town with 7.2 out of every 10 taxpayers donating an average of $303.40.

The average income is $56,000.

Belair and Genalta lead the inner city charge for most charitable residents - 6.1 out of every 10 giving an average of $531.37 to their most deserving charities.

Bellevue Heights, Eden Hills and Blackwood followed.

Less than half of North Adelaide taxpayers donated to charity, but for those who did they managed donations in excess of $6 million.

Three generations ... Colleen Howard (centre) with her granddaughter Natalie May and daughter Deidre Howard, of Balaklava, donate their time to Meals on Wheels.

Newman is the state's most charitable town with 6 out of every 10 taxpayers donating an average of $212.87.

Hammersley leads the inner city charge for most charitable residents - 5.2 out of every 10 giving an average of $237.25 to their most deserving charities.

Duncraig, Greenwood and Warwick followed.

Less than half of Menora and Mount Lawley taxpayers donated to charity, but for those who did they managed donations just under $8 million.

TASMANIA

Bonnet Hill and Taroona near Kingston is the state's most charitable region with 6.4 out of every 10 taxpayers donating an average of $527.95.

Breadalbine, Relbia and South Hobart followed.

Just over half of Launceston taxpayers donated to charity, with total donations in excess of $4.5 million.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Belamack is the state's most charitable region with almost 5.2 out of every 10 taxpayers donating an average of $197.40.

Marrara and Durack followed.

Just under half of Launceston taxpayers in Casuarina and Rapid Creek donated to charity, with total donations in excess of $2.2 million.

"After that, they tend to give to two of three other charities and spread their donations."

And all goes to a good cause.

"Australia's not for profit sector plays a critical role in assisting some of the most vulnerable in our community," said Nicole Mackey, marketing manager for the Fundraising Institute of Australia. "They work to feed the hungry, protect children, prevent violence and improve our environment."

For smaller charities in particular, every donation can make the biggest difference.

"We appreciate everything we get," said Kim Kingston from Books in Homes Australia, a charity providing books to children without access.

Although in 2012 they only received only $6,858 in donations, combined with government funding they were able to support 60,000 Australian students.

"Seeing the smiles on the faces of children receiving something as simple as a book is amazing."